As the Pittsburgh Pirates prepare to face off against the Baltimore Orioles, they are looking to halt a challenging three-game road skid. This matchup, taking place Thursday at 1:05 p.m. ET, is positioned at the crossroads of two teams navigating their respective journeys in the late season.
The Pirates enter the game with a record of 64-82, sitting fifth in the National League Central, while the Orioles find themselves at 68-77, also in fifth, but in the American League East. The stakes may not be high in terms of playoff contention—both teams are well outside the postseason race—but they are looking to round out their seasons on a positive note.
Team Performance Overview
Pittsburgh Pirates:
The Pirates have struggled significantly on the road, gathering a disappointing 22-49 record in away games. However, their pitching staff has shown signs of resilience, boasting the sixth-best team ERA (3.88) in the National League. Johan Oviedo, the probable starter, has made a considerable impact with his 2-0 record, a 2.70 ERA, and a WHIP of 1.10 over the season. His ability to strike out batters—24 in total—could be key to stifling the Orioles’ hitters.
On the offensive side, Andrew McCutchen remains a standout player, contributing 22 doubles and 13 home runs this season. Recent performances by Spencer Horwitz, who is 8 for 30 with three doubles and one home run in the last ten games, will also be pivotal. The Pirates’ batting average has been lackluster, especially in their most recent games, highlighting the need for improvement to support their pitching efforts.
Baltimore Orioles:
The Orioles have performed relatively better at home, with a record of 35-38, contributing to their overall numbers. Having won eight of their last ten games, their batting average sits at .235 while their pitching boasts a commendable 3.03 ERA during this stretch. Cade Povich, slated to start against the Pirates, has faced his share of struggles with a 5.16 ERA and 3-7 record. Nevertheless, with 103 strikeouts this season, he poses a threat to opposing batters.
Ryan Mountcastle has emerged as a key player for the Orioles, sports a solid 18 doubles, five home runs, and 31 RBIs. The Orioles’ ability to outperform with fewer runs allowed—30-14 in games without surrendering home runs—adds an interesting layer to their strengths. Both teams are eager to utilize their home and away records to inform their strategies as they clash.
Recent Game Trends
Looking at the last ten games, the Orioles have been considerably more successful, posting an 8-2 record while outscoring their opponents by seven runs. Conversely, the Pirates have endured a 4-6 record and have been outscored by five runs during the same span. The stark contrast in performance highlights the urgency for the Pirates to regain their footing, particularly on the road.
Injury Reports
Injuries have impacted both teams, adding a level of unpredictability to the matchup. The Orioles have several players in varying stages of recovery, including Samuel Basallo and Dean Kremer, who are day-to-day, while key players like Adley Rutschman will miss time. The Pirates also have a list of injuries to contend with, including notable absences like Endy Rodriguez and Ronny Simon.
Conclusion
As the Pirates aim to turn around their road woes, stopping their skid against the Orioles is crucial for both team morale and building momentum as they head toward the end of the season. With standout players on both sides, the matchup promises excitement, especially regarding pitching performances and power hitting.
In analyzing both teams, the Pirates’ top-tier pitching meets a resilient Orioles lineup at home, setting the stage for an engaging game on Thursday. For fans and players alike, it’s a chance to showcase their skills and potentially finish the season strong.
Given the stakes of improving their standing and minimizing losses, both teams will look to capitalize on any advantage. Whether it’s pitching dominance or a timely offensive outburst, these factors will be decisive as they seek to shape the narrative of their 2023 season. As such, this game is not just about statues in the standings; it’s also a testament to perseverance in what has been a challenging year for both franchises.
